Azerbaijan, Baku, June 22 / Trend , J. Babayeva/
"Azerbaijan is interested in joint use of Gabala radar by the U.S. and Russia."Joint use of Gabala radar meets Azerbaijan's interests. But it depends not only on interests, but also current political situation and present-day facts," Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov told reporters.
Probably someone will view this issue realistically in future. At current situation there is no need to expect progress in the issue of joint use of the Gabala radar, he said.
"Interests are formed in a certain period of time. Today Azerbaijan is interested in solving common issues with U.S. and Russia because it contributes to Azerbaijan's credibility and enables to achieve positive result from joint action," Azimov said.
Gabala radar station, which is located in north-western Azerbaijan, was built in Soviet times as one of the most important elements of a missile defense system of the Soviet Union. After Azerbaijan gained independence and move the radar to its property, Russia continued to use the station, despite all varieties of domestic political life of Azerbaijan.
Ten-year agreement on lease of the radar was signed in 2002. Question of the Gabala radar station has become the subject of internal debate, including in the Parliament of Azerbaijan. In early 2006, Azerbaijan raised the issue of doubling rent for the use of radar from $7 million to $14.4 million a year.